When Your Pipes Are Freezing…
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019
Hello, and Happy New Year!
Well, it’s here. Colder weather. Snow and icy conditions (maybe??)..This is east Tennessee, after all. Dreaded winter doldrums, and already wishing for a warm spring.
I’m not a fan of winter. Sure, it can be pretty with the picturesque blanket of snowfall, warm fire crackling, cozy blankets, frozen pipes that thaw and burst, soaking your entire living room. WHAT? Just making sure you were paying attention.
Truth is, it happens…and it just plain sucks. Luckily, I am going to provide some tips this month on how to prevent your home from being flooded out when you just want to be snowed in.
- Water can freeze when the outside temperature drops below freezing, (lower than 32°) so first, be mindful of the temperature.
- Insulation is your friend. Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is high.
- If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep your garage doors closed.
- Disconnect your outdoor hoses and turn off the water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Keep your heat on 55 degrees or higher (especially if you are out of town).
- During a particular cold spell, turn on hot and cold faucets near outside walls and allow a small trickle of water to run during the night
- If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on and drain your water system before you leave.
- Last, but very important know where your shutoff valve is so you can stop the flow of water ASAP if a pipe does burst.
In the unfortunate event, you know whom to call, 24/7…Testerman! 865-691-1169
We hope 2019 is good to you!
Stay warm and dry….
-Amanda